Let's stay in touch
Every 10 days our news letter gives you fresh inspiration for your next trip to Saint-Paul de Vence.
The Italian Dream of Francis 1st
Francis 1stCharles V
In the 16th century, Italy was one of the richest, most populated and most advanced regions in Europe. However, its influence was politically flawed as the peninsula was then carved up into different rival states. Such political and military divisions were to serve the ambitions of both the French and Spanish monarchies.
From the end of the 15th century, Charles VIII and Louis XII asserted their hereditary rights over the kingdom of Naples and subsequently, over the Duchy of Milan. In turn, Francis I who came to the throne in 1515 perpetuated the Italian Wars. His archrival on the chessboard of Europe was Charles V, the King of Spain who continued to wage war against him in Italy, as possession of Milan and Piedmont would give him the upper hand: he would be able to cut Francis I off geographically and link his own Spain to the Habsburg Empire via the Alps.
However, on 14th April 1544 at Cérisoles near Turin, Francis I and his troops were victorious over Charles V and his army.
Colonel Hardy de Périni, Batailles françaises, Flammarion, édition 1896-1906
